1928 MERCEDES BENZ Typ SS (W06) 7.1 Kompressor (27/170/225)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz introduced the W06 range in 1927, starting with the model S, which was built as a sports car and for sporting events, followed by the SS in 1928.

The German carmaker knew that its name would be on everybody’s lips if it was going to win races, so it focused on developing a sports car. Thus, the S version won the German Grand Prix in 1927, and those interested in faster vehicles asked for more. And thus, the carmaker introduced the SS model in the following year. It was the Super Sports car of the moment, a symbol of luxury and speed, and a grand tourer.

Like many other models from Mercedes’ lineup, the SS was available in a few shapes or as a bare chassis. But all of them shared the same V-shaped radiator grille. The front wheels were pushed forward in front of the radiator and engine compartment, and the chromed bar that supported the headlights was mounted between the arched front fenders. In addition, the carmaker added a bumper mounted on the chassis’ endings to protect the vehicle in case of an accident. The rounded shape of the hood was carried over for a few decades afterward. Finally, to protect the car’s occupants, Mercedes-Benz added a short, flat windshield fitted with a pair of wipers on the upper side.

But the carmaker knew its clients enjoyed luxurious vehicles, so it fitted the cabin with expensive materials. Two or four seats were inside depending on what kind of bodywork they chose. Another version featured tumbling seats behind the cabin and the rear axle.

Under the hood stood a big, 7.1-liter engine that produced 200 hp in the low-power version, with an option for a 225 hp. But for those who had deeper pockets and a need for speed, there was a special set of camshafts that could help the engine produce up to 275 hp. The carmaker produced 111 units of this SS model between 1928 and 1933, but the car stayed on the price lists until 1935.